Ange Postecoglou, the Greek-Australian football maestro, was hailed as a national hero in Australia after leading Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday night.
The win marked Tottenham’s first trophy in 17 years, cementing Postecoglou’s reputation as a “serial winner” despite a challenging Premier League season that has Spurs near the bottom of the table.
Football Australia praised Postecoglou and his assistants, former Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak and Leeds-born naturalized Australian Nick Montgomery, for their pivotal roles. “Congratulations for breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of Australian coaches,” the governing body stated.
South Melbourne FC, Postecoglou’s boyhood club known as “Hellas,” celebrated him as “our legend.” The club highlighted his journey from a junior player to a championship-winning captain and coach, noting, “Ange’s football journey is truly one of a kind.” Local politician Steve Dimopoulos labelled the victory a “major achievement.”
Postecoglou, formerly of Yokohama, Celtic, and the Australian national team, had boldly predicted a trophy in his second season with Tottenham—a claim that rang true in Bilbao. Australia’s national broadcaster ABC declared that Postecoglou had “silenced his doubters,” emphasizing his unwavering belief. “To some, it was a boast; to others, a delusion. To Ange, it was conviction,” ABC reported.
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